Evergreen swing-turned-off-spin bowler Colin 'Funky' Miller captured his first five-wicket haul for Australia today on a dry, spinning pitch at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Despite the hot, sticky conditions, our veteran 'offie' put up his hand for selection in the first Test on Thursday, with a career-best performance for his country. Still learning his trade as a spin bowler, 'Funky' is going from strength to strength with his newly adopted style of bowling.

Like the great Sir Garfield Sobers, 'Funky' started off the day taking the new ball with Glenn McGrath before turning to his second string later on. In fact it wasn't all that much later in the day, as Steve Waugh asked him to bowl spin after about four overs of medium pace. With two strings to his bow, our most senior player has been a very valuable part of the team over the past 12 months. Able to bowl consistent out-swingers and then follow up with ever-improving off-spin, he has almost become something of an all-round bowling asset, especially on these sub-continent pitches.

In Pakistan 12 months ago he was an important member of the team, as he was through the Ashes series last summer and during the West Indies tour. On these Sri Lankan pitches, that traditionally benefit the spin bowlers, he looks set to form a crucial partnership with Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill throughout the forthcoming three-Test series. With his major strength being his ability to truly spin the ball, I get the feeling that this could be a very productive series for the veteran of seven Tests who is desperate to play for as long as his legs will carry him. And now that he doesn't have to pound his body off a long run-up every time he walks onto a cricket field those legs may have plenty of life in them yet.

From Colombo, JL